If you’re searching for a rustic yet elegant recipe that feels right at home on both a lazy Sunday morning and at a sophisticated brunch table, look no further. These Roasted Pear and Vanilla Bean Scones with Salty Honey Glaze are tender, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying. Bursting with sweet roasted pears, kissed with warm vanilla, and finished with a sticky, salty-sweet glaze, this recipe is the very definition of cozy indulgence.
In this article, you’ll learn everything about this beautiful recipe—from its origin and history to the exact ingredients, preparation steps, delicious variations, and expert tips. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced pastry enthusiast, this step-by-step guide to Roasted Pear and Vanilla Bean Scones with Salty Honey Glaze will walk you through the process with confidence.
Let’s get started!
What Are Roasted Pear and Vanilla Bean Scones with Salty Honey Glaze?
At their core, scones are a classic baked good with origins in British cuisine, often enjoyed with tea. But these Roasted Pear and Vanilla Bean Scones with Salty Honey Glaze take the traditional scone to a whole new level.
Instead of relying solely on cream or dried fruits for flavor, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of fresh pears. The pears are roasted until golden, which not only concentrates their flavor but also ensures the scones stay perfectly textured rather than soggy.
Adding vanilla bean paste infuses the dough with an aromatic depth, while the final salty honey glaze drizzled on top creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The result? A scone that feels gourmet, homemade, and comforting all at once.
The Origin of Roasted Pear and Vanilla Bean Scones
Scones themselves date back centuries and are a beloved staple of British and Irish baking. Traditionally, they were made with oats and cooked on a griddle. Over time, the recipe evolved into the buttery, crumbly baked scones we know today.
The twist of using roasted pears and vanilla bean paste is a modern adaptation, inspired by food creatives like Cloudy Kitchen, who blend rustic comfort with elevated flavor profiles. Adding a salty honey glaze is another contemporary innovation—it creates a delightful balance that keeps the scones from being overly sweet.
This version embodies the best of both worlds: the heritage of classic scones and the creativity of modern baking trends.
Ingredients for Roasted Pear and Vanilla Bean Scones with Salty Honey Glaze
This recipe makes 8 large scones, perfect for sharing.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
- 6 large firm pears (about 800g), peeled, cored, and diced
- 160g unsalted butter, diced and frozen for 15 minutes
- 600g all-purpose flour
- 5 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 210g whole milk, divided (plus extra if needed)
- 150g honey
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Step-by-Step Directions: How to Make Roasted Pear and Vanilla Bean Scones with Salty Honey Glaze
Step 1: Roast the Pears
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread diced pears evenly on a lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 15–20 minutes, until they’re slightly caramelized and reduced in moisture.
- Cool completely before adding to the dough.
Tip: Roasting prevents sogginess and intensifies the pears’ flavor.
2: Prepare the Scone Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Rub in the frozen butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the vanilla bean paste and about ¾ of the milk.
- Gently fold in the cooled roasted pear chunks.
- Add the remaining milk if needed—just enough to bring the dough together. Avoid overmixing.
3: Shape and Bake
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape into a rough disk.
- Cut into 8 wedges and transfer to a lined baking tray.
- Brush the tops lightly with milk.
- Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and firm.
4: Make the Salty Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan, gently boil honey for 1 minute—don’t overcook.
- Drizzle over warm scones.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt to finish.
Variations of Roasted Pear and Vanilla Bean Scones with Salty Honey Glaze
One of the best things about scones is how adaptable they are. Here are a few variations to make this recipe uniquely yours:
Flavor Additions
- Cinnamon or Cardamom: Add ½ tsp to the flour mixture for a warm, spiced kick.
- Nutmeg or Ginger: A pinch adds complexity.
Mix-ins
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and earthy flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Perfect for a more indulgent variation.
Topping Twists
- Brown Sugar Crumble: Sprinkle on top before baking for a sweet crunch.
- Glazed Almonds: Instead of salt, finish with candied nuts for extra texture.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with whipped mascarpone or clotted cream.
- Drizzle with extra honey for more sweetness.
- Serve warm with a spiced chai latte or strong black tea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Roasted Pear and Vanilla Bean Scones
1. Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them, cool completely, and store in an airtight container. Warm in the oven before serving for best results.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Shape into wedges, freeze on a tray, then bake directly from frozen—just add 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
3. What pears work best for this recipe?
Firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou hold up best to roasting without turning mushy.
4. Can I substitute vanilla bean paste?
Yes, you can use vanilla extract, though the flavor won’t be as intense.
5. How do I avoid dense scones?
The key is not to overmix the dough—keep it light and crumbly for tender scones.
Conclusion: Roasted Pear and Vanilla Bean Scones
These Roasted Pear and Vanilla Bean Scones with Salty Honey Glaze are more than just a recipe—they’re an experience. With their golden, craggy texture, roasted pear sweetness, aromatic vanilla, and irresistible salty-sweet glaze, they strike the perfect balance between rustic charm and modern sophistication.
Whether you’re baking them for a quiet weekend breakfast, a festive brunch, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these scones are guaranteed to impress. Try them once, and they’ll become a go-to recipe for cozy mornings and special gatherings alike.
So, roll up your sleeves, roast those pears, and get ready to enjoy the unforgettable flavors of Roasted Pear and Vanilla Bean Scones with Salty Honey Glaze.
Roasted Pear and Vanilla Bean Scones with Salty Honey Glaze – The Ultimate Recipe Guide
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
Description
At their core, scones are a classic baked good with origins in British cuisine, often enjoyed with tea. But these Roasted Pear and Vanilla Bean Scones with Salty Honey Glaze take the traditional scone to a whole new level.
Ingredients
- 6 large firm pears, peeled, cored, and diced (about 800g)
- 160g unsalted butter, diced and frozen for 15 min
- 600g all-purpose flour
- 5 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 210g whole milk, divided (plus extra if needed)
- 150g honey
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
- Roast the pears:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread diced pears on a lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 15–20 min until slightly caramelized and moisture is reduced.
- Cool completely.
- Make the scone dough:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Rub in frozen butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in vanilla bean paste and ¾ of the milk.
- Gently fold in roasted pear chunks.
- Add remaining milk as needed to bring dough together—avoid overmixing.
- Shape & bake:
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape into a rough disk.
- Cut into 8 wedges and place on a lined baking tray.
- Brush tops with milk.
- Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 20–25 min until golden and firm.
- Make the salty honey glaze:
- In a small saucepan, gently boil honey for 1 min (don’t overcook).
- Drizzle over warm scones.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Notes
These scones are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, with a dollop of clotted cream or a drizzle of honey. For an extra touch, sprinkle with a little cinnamon sugar before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly to bring back their fresh-baked flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Pear and vanilla scones with honey glaze, Roasted pear scones recipe, Vanilla bean scones with honey glaze
